Glossectomy Tips when dealing with Excess Saliva

1. Slurp-Swallow technique:

• Following a glossectomy, it is common to deal with saliva pooling in the front of the mouth. This can make it difficult to speak clearly or easily.
• When this occurs: Slurp the saliva to the back of your mouth, close your lips tightly, and swallow hard. Complete an additional slurp-swallow if saliva still remains in the front of your mouth.
• Complete this exercise any time the saliva in your mouth makes it difficult to speak clearly.

2. Be sure you are drinking plenty of water. Thick saliva is more difficult to manage than thin saliva. Drinking enough liquid is one of the most important ways to make sure your saliva is thin. Water is the best liquid to drink.
3. Try to swallow frequently throughout the day. Keep a tissue or cloth with you to wipe your mouth when needed if the slurp-swallow technique is not effective for you. This can help with clearing the build of saliva in your mouth and/or possible instances of drooling.
4. Avoid dehydrating liquids or foods such as dairy products, ice cream, chocolate, and any liquid with caffeine (coffee/tea/soda).
5. Make sure you are cleaning the inside of your mouth (oral rinses/toothbrush) at least 3-4 times a day. This includes brushing all parts of your tongue, roof of mouth, teeth (if applicable), and the insides of your cheeks.
   • Bacteria grows quickly when the mouth is not cleaned frequently.
   • To avoid potential infections or pneumonia make sure this becomes part of your daily routine.

Questions? Call UMMC Speech-Language Pathology 601-815-6064 or email mmurray@umc.edu.

Back to ENT Patient Information